The article was updated on Jan 13, 2026
Australia offers several types of student visas. A student aspiring to study in this country can opt for any of these visas depending on their circumstances.
The most common option is the Student Visa (Subclass 500), which allows full-time study at CRICOS-registered institutions. Other key visas include the Training Visa (Subclass 407) and the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485).
Raed: Why Indian Students Favor Australia For Higher Education
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Subclass 500 remains the main visa, with stricter 2025 rules on CoE, funds, and Genuine Student checks.
- Subclass 485 lets graduates work in Australia after completing two years of study.
- Subclass 407 is employer-sponsored, short-term, and strictly for workplace training.
- Indian students face tougher scrutiny, longer processing times, and enhanced verification.
What Are The Eligibility Criteria For Each Type Of Australia Student Visa?
Student Visa (subclass 500)
This is the most commonly issued Australian student visa for international students enrolled in a full-time course at an accredited Australian educational institution. The education provider must be registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
This visa allows you to:
- Stay in Australia for the duration of your course (for a maximum of 5 years)
- Travel in and out of Australia during your study period
- Work up to 48 hours per fortnight when your course is in session and unlimited hours during breaks
- Include family members in your application
The Student Visa includes the following visa categories:
- Independent ELICOS Sector visa (subclass 570)
- Schools Sector visa (subclass 571)
- Vocational Education and Training Sector visa (subclass 572)
- Higher Education Sector visa (subclass 573)
- Postgraduate Research Sector visa (subclass 574)
- Non-Award Sector visa (subclass 575)
- Foreign Affairs or Defence Sector visa (subclass 576)
- Student Guardian visa (subclass 580)
Training Visa (subclass 407)
This visa is granted to individuals who want to undertake workplace-based training or a professional development training program in Australia.
This is a temporary visa that allows you to stay in Australia for up to 2 years and cannot be extended.
Eligibility:
- The training must align with your occupation or field of study
- You must be sponsored by an Australian organisation to participate in the training program
- You must show that the training is necessary to improve your skills or experience in your field.
Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)
This is a post-study work visa, which allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian university to stay and work in Australia. This temporary visa is also applicable to new international students applying for postgraduate admissions in Australian universities.
The temporary graduate visa provides an opportunity for foreign students to gain valuable work experience.
Eligibility:
- Students must have completed at least two years of study in Australia.
- Applicants must hold an eligible qualification related to occupations listed on Australia’s skilled occupation list.
What Documents Are Required For Different Types Of Australian Student Visas?
| Visa Type | Key Documents Needed |
|---|---|
| Subclass 500 (Student Visa) | Passport, eCoE, OSHC, finances, GTE, English scores, academic records |
| Subclass 590 (Guardian Visa) | Passport, relationship proof, finances, health/character records |
| Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) | Passport, study completion docs, transcripts, health/character records, English |
New Student Visa Rules and Updated Policies
Here are some new visa rules and policies that international students need to be aware of for a smooth visa application process:
- Effective January 2025, a ‘Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)’ is a mandatory document while applying for a student visa. This document is issued by the Australian university after the student accepts the offer and pays the tuition fees. Earlier, a letter of offer was enough for a visa application.
- The overall international student enrolments are capped at 2,70,000.
- The Genuine Student (GS) requirement replaces the old Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) rule for all visa applications lodged on or before March 2024. You must explain why you chose Australia, the specific course, how the course fits into your career plans, etc.
- For proof of financial capacity, the minimum required fund has increased to AUD 29,710 per year (for the main applicant) from AUD 24,505. This rule is applicable for all applications received by the Australian immigration after May 2024.
- English proficiency requirements have been updated. For instance, the minimum IELTS or equivalent scores have been raised to 6.0 and above for many student visas.
Required Fees for an Australia Student Visa
- Fees for Australia Student Visa – AUD 2,000 ($1340.14).
- Apart from visa fees, you have to pay extra for biometrics, health insurance, medical tests, etc.
- Your application fee will not be refunded if your application for a student visa is rejected for any reason.
Indians in the Highest Risk Category for Australia Student Visas
Australia placed India in the highest risk category for student visas due to `emerging integrity issues’.
From January 8, 2026, Australia has moved India from Evidence Level 2 to Evidence Level 3 under the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF) alongside Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan.
This means Indian students applying for Australia student visa will face stricter visa scrutiny. Immigration officials can ask for more documents, can conduct rigorous background checks, may manually verify bank statements, ask for further proof of English language proficiency, etc.
The visa processing time may also increase from the current three weeks to up to eight weeks.
FAQs on Australia Student Visa
What are the different English language tests that are acceptable for an Australia student visa application?
There are five different tests accepted in student visa applications:
1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
2. International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
3. Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
4. Occupational English Test (OET)
5. Pearson Test of English (PTE)
What is a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)?
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is a must-have document while applying for a student visa. Once you are accepted into a course, the college will send you an offer letter. You will have to accept the offer in writing and pay the tuition fees. Then the university will send you a CoE.
Can I switch between different Australian student visa types after arriving in Australia?
Yes, students can switch to another eligible Australian student visa after arrival, provided they meet visa conditions and eligibility rules.
1. Most international students can:
2. Apply for a new Student Visa (Subclass 500) if they change courses or institutions
3. Move to a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) after completing their studies
Change visa status only if their current visa does not include Condition 8503 (No Further Stay)
All applications must be submitted before the current visa expires and must satisfy the Genuine Student requirement set by the Department of Home Affairs.
What are the most common reasons Australian student visa applications are refused?
Australian student visas are usually refused due to credibility, financial, or documentation issues.
The most common refusal reasons include:
1. Weak or inconsistent Genuine Student (GS) statement
2. Inadequate proof of funds for tuition and living expenses
3. Course choice not aligned with academic or career background
4. Low or invalid English language test scores
5. Incomplete or incorrect documents
6. Poor academic progression or frequent course changes
7. Previous visa refusals or adverse immigration history
8. Failure to meet health or character requirements
Visa officers assess whether the applicant is a genuine temporary student with a clear study plan.
How do I extend or continue my Australian student visa?
Australian student visas cannot be renewed, but students can apply for a new Student Visa (Subclass 500) if they need more time.
You may apply for a new visa if:
1. Your course duration is extended
2. You enroll in a new CRICOS-registered course
3. You require additional time due to academic or compassionate reasons
To extend your stay:
1. Obtain a new Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE)
2. Extend your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
3. Update financial evidence
4. Apply through ImmiAccount before your visa expires
Applying early helps avoid complications with bridging visas or overstays.
Do universities or agencies offer combined admission and visa services?
Yes. Many Australian universities and authorized education agents offer bundled services that include both admission support and student visa assistance.
These bundled services typically cover:
1. Course and university selection
2. Application submission and offer letter processing
3. eCoE issuance support
4. Genuine Student statement assistance
5. Student visa application filing
6. Pre-departure guidance and accommodation help
Students should always verify that the consultant is authorized by Australian institutions before proceeding.
Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/
Also Read